The study is relevant due to the need to modernise school education in the Republic of
Kazakhstan, where specialised education plays a key role in developing students' personal qualities
and meeting the demands of the state and labour markets. The introduction of state standards means
that elective courses are becoming a tool not only for deepening knowledge and shaping
professional interests, but also for overcoming the abstract nature of subjects such as chemistry.
However, the lack of comprehensive chemistry courses and methodological recommendations
limits their effectiveness. Therefore, studying the psychological and pedagogical aspects of these
courses and applying them to increase student motivation and creativity is a pressing issue. This
study aims to analyse the role of the pre-profile course and to develop and test an elective course
called «Chemistry Around Us» for 9-grade students.
Research methods included a theoretical analysis of regulatory documents and scientific
literature, developing a 34-hour course programme, and conducting a pedagogical experiment with
an experimental group from General Education School № 52 named after E. A. Buketov in
Karaganda. As part of the study, entrance and final tests were conducted, and psychological
diagnostics were performed according to Jung's typology and Smirnov's psychodynamic properties.
A questionnaire was also administered to assess interest in chemistry. The results showed positive
dynamics: the percentage of correct answers in the tests increased by 19.3%, indicating an
improvement in assimilation of the material. According to Jung's typology, the average score
increased by three points, indicating an increase in emotional openness and activity. Smirnov's
diagnostics confirmed the stability of psychodynamic properties, with a slight increase in
extroversion and activity observed. The questionnaire revealed an increased interest in chemistry.
The study confirms the potential of elective courses in bridging the gap between theory and practice
and in developing the skills required for further education and careers